NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Predicting Winners for Each 2nd-Round Series

The first round of the 2012 NBA playoffs isn't over yet, but that won't stop us from discussing the second-round matchups and who will win those matchups. 

And, to be honest, the first round has been a flop anyway. The biggest highlights have been lowlights, and those have come in the form of injuries. Outside of the Clippers-Grizzlies series, there isn't a compelling first-round battle. 

So let's just move past it already and start thinking about the second round. 

You can view the playoff schedule on NBA.com.

Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers

This is the only potential matchup that carries any sense of mystery. As I write, the Clippers lead 2-1, and they have shown enough to project them moving on. However, the gritty Grizzlies certainly can't be counted out. 

They would also provide a stiffer test for the Spurs, but it isn't going to matter. Neither of these teams can handle San Antonio. 

The Spurs are playing their best basketball of the season. Tony Parker is performing at an MVP level, and Tim Duncan is playing like he is six years younger. Combine this with Manu Ginobili's fresh legs, and a roster full of players that can contribute, and it is clear that neither of these teams can match up with them. 

Series Prediction: San Antonio wins, 4-1

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers

This is going to be a great series. For starters, their is the drama added to this matchup by a certain World Peace flying elbow to the dome of the bearded wonder, James Harden. But that is just a little side story. 

The real fireworks will be provided by the excellent matchup. 

The Thunder won the regular season series 2-1, but the Lakers won the last one, and revealed they held a key to help slowing down the Thunder. 

Kobe Bryant played some lockdown defense on Russell Westbrook in that matchup, and Westbrook has historically destroyed the Lakers. 

Oklahoma City has a big advantage in athleticism and speed, but the Lakers have one on the boards and in post scoring. 

Combine that with the edge in experience to the Lakers and you have the Lakers winning a great series. 

Series Prediction: Los Angeles wins, 4-3

Eastern Conference 

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

If you are like me, when the playoffs started you were telling yourself, "I can't wait for the Celtics-76ers second-round matchup." What, you didn't say that? Alright, I didn't either. 

Injuries have decimated the Bulls and reshaped the Eastern Conference, but you aren't likely to find the Celtics complaining. 

It has left them with a favorable second-round matchup. Philly won the regular-season matchup 2-1, but they got their two wins in the first two matchups, and Boston is playing dramatically better now. 

They destroyed the Sixers, 103-79, the last time these two met and proved that Philly doesn't have what it takes to handle Boston when the Celtics are playing to their potential. 

Series Prediction: Boston wins, 4-2

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are one of the true surprises of this season, and they will have a chance to provide us all with the biggest surprise if they can take down the Miami Heat. 

They will have their work cut out for them. The Heat won this regular-season series 3-1. But, like the last two matchups we discussed, the Pacers won the latest battle, and they won it convincingly, 105-90. 

What fueled them in that win was Danny Granger, who outperformed LeBron James. This isn't something they are going to be able to count on happening consistently in a seven-game series. 

The Pacers have a frontcourt that can cause the Heat some problems, but overall they lack the experience to pull off the upset. 

Series Prediction: Miami wins, 4-2